This is why we have homecourt. We blew a chance to take a commanding lead in the series in NO, but we still got the split. Stats about previous playoff series success are comforting, but really don't mean anything. The Lakers must come out with a ton of energy and focus for game 5 and SUSTAIN it for the whole game, eliminating any confidence the Hornets can win another game in L.A. AND in this series. Protect our homecourt Lakers and put us in position to close this thing out on the road in game 6. Go Lakers!!!

Edited by LakersChamps243, April 24, 2011 - 11:08 PM.

"Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there" - John Wooden

It's just another injury to add to the list. I'm a positive guy, so most of what I say doesn't make sense to realists.

Dude, most of Kobe's injuries don't have him walking around with the aid of crutches. This is the same ankle/foot he damn near broke in Dallas a month back. I get the feeling it never fully healed and he probably re-aggravated it, maybe even worsened it. I would be shocked if there isn't any dropoff in his play.

This injury may severely affect him especially on defense. If he is getting beaten by Ariza tomorrow off the dribble then it may be best to rest. I think this team would win without kobe tomorrow. Teams pick up the slack when a player is missing and in some ways they become more dangerous for a few games.

Or perhaps Kobe is fooling us all and this injury is nothing major at all.

"The way Steve is as a teammate, the way he sets the tone, the way the team kind of takes on his persona. As a coach, that's the best thing in the world. It's easy to coach. He's taking care of the chemistry. You just coach."

This injury may severely affect him especially on defense. If he is getting beaten by Ariza tomorrow off the dribble then it may be best to rest. I think this team would win without kobe tomorrow. Teams pick up the slack when a player is missing and in some ways they become more dangerous for a few games.

Or perhaps Kobe is fooling us all and this injury is nothing major at all.

I agree but when your tied 2-2 in a series its best not to take that chance.